Overview

A pattern of coercive tactics, which can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against an adult intimate partner, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control over the victim.

DV impacts the lives of thousands of New Yorkers each and every day with tragic and sometimes fatal results. This type of violence is a crime. Moreover, DV affects the lives of men and women from all backgrounds and circumstances, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, education, occupation, etc.

If someone has been a victim of abuse, or has been threatened with abuse, they can ask the court for an order of protection – an order to limit the behavior of the person who threatened the harm, or actually committed the harm.

A person in a dangerous emergency situation requiring immediate intervention should call 911 for assistance.

Resources are available for those who find themselves in a situation involving Domestic Violence